Shelly Beach
Northern Beaches, NSW
Manly's sheltered west-facing cove — snorkelling, a grassy headland and the easy walk around from Fairy Bower.
About this place
Shelly Beach is the calm, west-facing pocket just south of Manly's ocean beach, tucked under North Head. The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve makes it one of Sydney's best shore snorkels — expect fish, rays and the odd wobbegong on a still morning. Walk around from South Steyne via Fairy Bower rather than driving if you can; the rock platform is half the point. The Boathouse cafe sits on the sand if you need a post-swim feed.
Access & getting there
Walk from Manly Wharf via the ocean beach and Fairy Bower (about 25 minutes). Small paid carpark at the beach fills early.
Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095
Safety notes
Usually calmer than Manly ocean beach but still an ocean bay. Watch rock platforms in swell. Aquatic reserve — no fishing.
Gear notes
Snorkel gear on a clear, low-swell day.
On the map
Community photos
Posts from this place will appear here soon.
Events nearby
Linked Hikezilla events coming soon.
Connected challenges
Tied to challenges — coming soon.